I have a question and wonder if it is sugar related.  Just last month our 7 1/2 yr. old grandson got facial tics in the form of blinking eyes.  We are hoping the symptoms go away within 3 months, but wonder if sugar and inflammation might have anything to do with it. We have also read that it could be a lack of magnesium.  What do you recommend?

Could you please explain what you would suggest to get rid of facial tics in a child of 8 years old and what tests might you suggest he have administered?

Facial tics are muscle spasms of the face—typically eye blinking, nose scrunching, vocal sounds. They may exist by themselves, or be part of another disorder called Tourette’s Syndrome. They are not uncommon in children, and are triggered by or made worse by stress. Often they go away naturally, so the first treatment is to ignore them, and not bring attention to them. If the person tries to control them (which he or she may be able to do for the short time), it will cause internal anxiety and they will need to spend several minutes ‘tic-ing’ to ‘get it out of their system.’

The basic treatment of all childhood health issues starts with the diet. ‘Real’ food needs to be eaten. Processed food, especially sugar, needs to be eliminated. Sugar, caffeine, trans fatty acids and hydrogenated oils and aspartame are especially inflammatory to the body, and will make almost any underlying condition worse. General supplements will help assure a more adequate nutrient intake, as even the best of food today is often deficient in basic nutrients.

There are basic nutrients that help all neurologic conditions, including facial tics. The essential fatty acids and the B vitamins need to have good levels in the body. Thiamine, or vitamin B₁, may be the most important vitamin to support nerve tissue, and it is water soluble. The fat soluble form, allithiamine or benfotamine, will deliver this important vitamin to the cells without it being excreted out the kidneys. Magnesium is needed to resolve muscle cramps, and may also be useful in this setting. Certain biochemical reactions that involve nervous tissue need both thiamine and magnesium for optimal functioning.

There are some laboratory tests that may help decide if there are deficiencies in the body. Essential fatty acids of red blood cells can be ordered. Levels of B₁, B₆, B₁₂, and folic acid can also be done in laboratories.